GWI Releases Initiative Micro-Trends across 30 Global Wellness Topics

From AI driving innovation in healthcare to combating microplastics in the brain to a backlash against ice baths, for the first time, the GWI has collected subject-specific wellness trends in a new 128-page booklet available to download

MIAMI, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research organization for the wellness industry, has released its first GWI Initiative Micro-Trends Booklet, available to the industry to download for free. The GWI Initiative Micro-Trends are subject-specific analyses of what's happening across 30 global wellness topics, each authored by a GWI Initiative chair who is a renowned thought-leader in their respective field.

The GWI supports a wide range of important industry Initiatives, which operate as independent groups and taskforces to further the growth of the various sectors of the multi-trillion-dollar wellness economy. Once a year, these Initiatives share five of the top trends they see emerging in their sector. While the GWI has previously shared these on each Initiative's microsite, this is the first year the organization has compiled them all together in one booklet and made that available to the public.

"While there are many lists of wellness trends these days, there were no lists of wellness trends in these specific categories, and we thought there should be," said GWI chair Susie Ellis. "Trends are signals; often, they serve as leading indicators for where things are heading and can reveal new markets, products or services before they actually emerge. When you follow them intelligently, you stay ahead of the curve — not behind it."

From AI driving innovation in healthcare (AI Initiative), to cryotherapy emerging as a broadly recognized treatment in the wellness space (Cryotherapy Initiative), to combating microplastics in the brain (Mental Wellness Initiative), these trends take a deep dive into what's driving the change, and what opportunities lie ahead, for the industry. Other trends include an ice-bath backlash (Hydrothermal Initiative), a new wave of African wellness tourism, including plant medicine retreats (Africa Wellness Initiative), personalized nutrition for gut health (Nutrition for Healthspan Initiative), "Make Ibogaine great again" (Psychedelics & Healing Initiative), harmonic architecture (Wellness Architecture Initiative) and brain-friendly buildings (Wellness Communities & Real Estate Initiative). In all, 30 subjects are covered in the booklet, and those in the industry can examine trends in their areas of interest — or read the entire booklet to gain broader industry insight.

"I have always found that asking people what trends they are seeing can spark lively conversations about the future that can become a competitive advantage," said Ellis. "We hope this look at what is now emerging across so many wellness sectors and topics will provide a valuable new tool for the industry."

To download the GWI Initiative Micro-Trends Booklet, click here.

About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.

SOURCE GLOBAL WELLNESS INSTITUTE